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This date marks the begin of the sudden collapse and surrender of Japan in World War II. On August 6, 1945 an atomic bomb was dropped on Hiroshima Japan. Two days later, the U.S.S.R. declared war on Japan and invaded Japanese controlled Manchuria, then on August 9th another atomic bomb was dropped on Nagasaki. Finally, by August 15th the Japanese surrendered.

To some people the decision to bomb Hiroshima and Nagasaki is still very controversial. I’ve had the honor and privilege of knowing a number of World War II veterans in my life. Some of which were preparing for an invasion of Japan much like the invasion at Normandy. Estimates for the number of troops needed and potential casualties of such an invasion were much greater than what was experienced at Normandy. I haven’t heard a single one suggest we shouldn’t have dropped the atomic bombs.

That much said, it left terrible devastation, many innocents were killed and many that weren’t killed instantly died within the year from the fallout. I have no doubt that both Germany and Japan were pursuing the same atomic bomb and also have no doubt they would have used it at will if they had succeeded in getting it first. How far along were the projects? I don’t know and apparently it’s a matter open to much dispute. I’ve seen some suggest the Japanese were just weeks or months away from having a usable bomb when the war ended, others say their progress was quite primitive.

Setting aside the questions. Today is a day to remember those that were lost in World War II, the innocents, those that sacrificed their lives for freedom and all those that served to see liberty prevail. The generation that fought that war has been referred to as the greatest generation. Truly, I believe they had a hand in saving the world. May we have a measure of their resolve, serious mindedness and conviction. Veterans, thank you.